“Getting the normal for the missus?”
John smiled as he reached for his wallet, his hands trembling slightly. “Yes, today is a special day.” “She is a lucky woman. I’m sure she will be delighted with any gift that you give her.” Marissa said as she handed him the bouquet. The sweet aroma of fresh flowers filled John’s nose, and his eyes twinkled in the reflection of the bright yellow petals. “I can only hope that it is true. Do you know that there was a time when she preferred the flowers to my company?” John chuckled. “Luckily, dessert was served in time. That’s how I managed to get her approval to stay on.” “Oh, what dessert was that? It must have been a lifesaver.” “Yes, it was her favourite, chocolate cake. I can still remember the taste of it in my mouth.” John’s eyes glazed over with a longing for a short moment. “Well, I’m sure the missus will enjoy your gift and your presence today. By the way, what is the occasion?” John’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “It’s a surprise.” “John! You’re here!” Janice said as she cleaned her hands on her apron. Her salt-and-pepper hair stuck out through her hair net. “Good to see you today, Janice.” John’s smile grew as he reached out and shook her hand. “What’s on the menu for today?” “Oh John, you know that the menu is always a highly-prized secret until it’s grand reveal! But,” Janice leaned forward and whispered, “I heard that the dessert is chocolate cake.” John’s eyes twinkled with delight. “That is great news! I’m sure my missus will be thrilled by it.” He leaned towards Janice and winked, “I’ll be sure to keep your secret safe and sound.” “Thanks John.” Janice beamed as she turned towards the corridor. “She is at her usual place, down the hallway to her favourite room.” “Thank you Janice.” John tilted his head slightly and slowly limped towards the last room at the end. He was panting slightly when he reached her door. The brown door was so familiar to him, but he was always filled with anxiety and worry each time he arrived here. Taking a deep breath, his eyes flashed with deep sorrow before determination replaced it. He gradually and quietly opened the door, peeking in nervously. “Darling, I’m here.” “John dear, is that you?” John’s eyes opened wide with surprise as he took a step in. “Yes, my darling, it is me.” He gingerly limped over to her side. Her wispy white hair tucked neatly behind her ears. She tried to turn to see him, but her body remained stiff. “No darling, don’t hurt yourself. I’m coming. I’m here.” John hurried over as fast as his bowlegs could bring him, and held her wrinkled hands gently in his. “John, finally you are here. I’ve been waiting for you.” John sat down on the chair opposite his dearest, his eyes wide with concern. “Why, darling? Is everything alright? Are you okay?” He touched her forehead. She held his hand and brought it to her cheek. “Everything is alright, John. I remember.” “What do you remember, darling?” “I remember what today is. I remember it is the day that I, Margaret Anne Little, said yes to you, John Parris.” John’s eyes filled with tears. “You remember?” “Yes, I do. And I remember that my wedding bouquet was the sunflowers that we picked from the street on the way to the tiny church in town. That’s why-“ “-That’s why it is your favourite flower. You said that it was like the sun being captured from the sky and rebirthed into sunflowers, its rays of sunshine shooting out in big yellow petals. And holding the sunflowers was like-” “-Holding the sun.” Margaret finished his sentence with a big smile on her face. She held his hand tightly. “And I will say yes to you for the rest of my life, every single time. It will always be a yes to you, John dear.” “Oh Margaret, this is the best day ever. You remembered our big date, saying yes to me, and you remembered me!” John sobbed as tears flowed down his cheeks. “I never want to forget this day or want this day to end.” Margaret gently stroked his cheek, just like she had for the past six decades. “I know it has been tough, so very tough on you. My heart breaks for all that you’ve gone through, for all that I’ve put you through. But remember, I’m always here and will always be here. It doesn’t matter if my mind brings me to the present, or takes me to the distant past. I choose you, John Parris to be my husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till the Lord calls one or both of us home. I love you, John Parris. I always will.” Margaret leaned forward gingerly and placed the softest whisper of a kiss on John’s forehead. “Don’t ever forget that.” “I will always remember it.” John’s eyes twinkled with overflowing love. “And you know what?” “What?” “Today’s dessert is your favourite, chocolate cake.”
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AboutHere is a collection of short stories using the writing prompt: 'I Remember'. Enjoy! ArchivesCategories |